On 16 May 2023, H.E. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia delivered a welcome remarks at the Expo 2028 Phuket Symposia held at Four Seasons Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The event was organized by the Royal Thai Embassy, Kuala Lumpur and the Province of Phuket with an aim to providing information to representatives of the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) regarding Thailand’s bid to host the Specialised Expo in Phuket in 2028.

          H.E. Lada informed the participants of the Expo’s theme “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity” which aligns with Thailand’s national development strategy and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, as well as Thailand’s continued advocacy for sustainable development in various regional and international fora, including the chairmanship of G-77 in 2016, ASEAN in 2019, and APEC in 2022. In this regard, H.E. Lada reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment and readiness to host the Expo in 2028, of which bidding has been Thailand’s national agenda and is fully supported by the government, private sector, and local communities. H.E. Lada expressed confidence that Thailand’s hosting of the Expo 2028 Phuket will facilitate and further stimulate regional travels, trade and investment activities in the wider Asia-Pacific region. It will also be the first time for Southeast Asia to host the Expo of such kind.

          During the briefing, the Thai delegation led by Mr. Narong Woonciew, Governor of Phuket Province; Mr. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Director-General of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand; Mr. Buripan Bunnag, Vice President,Thailand Exhibition and Convention Bureau (TCEB); Mr. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President, Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), shared information on the inspiring story behind the Expo’s initiative, Thailand’s continued commitment on sustainable development agenda, as well as assistance packages for developing countries who which to participate, while reaffirming Phuket’s readiness to be a good host.

          The Symposia was well attended by representatives of 18 diplomatic missions of the BIE members in Malaysia.